Finding Your True Calling in Business

Why it matters?

Ar. Azlan Shah
Level Up Publication
5 min readJan 31, 2024

--

Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered if you’re doing what you’re meant to do?

Imagine waking up each day, excited to dive into work, feeling like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

That’s the magic of finding your true calling in business. It’s not just about making a living; it’s about making a genuinely fulfilling life.

I remember feeling like a square peg in a round hole, doing jobs that paid the bills but didn’t light a fire in my heart.

The SEO market has risen since 2014, and you can gain significant profits with fewer competitors.

It has its limits, though; even though it is a profitable business, I need to learn a lot, and still, to this day, I am not mastering every aspect of it even though my company has been running for a decade.

It’s a familiar story for many, but here’s the twist: when you find your true calling, work doesn’t feel like work anymore.

It becomes a journey of passion and purpose. This isn’t just a feel-good theory; it’s a real game-changer in achieving success and happiness.

Let’s explore why finding your true calling in business is not just important but essential and how it can transform your life.

The Concept of True Calling in Business

What exactly does ‘true calling’ mean when we talk about business? It’s that sweet spot where what you love to do meets what you’re good at.

It’s not just a job; it’s a passion that drives you, a mission that gives your work meaning.

When your career aligns with your inner desires and strengths, work becomes more than a paycheck — it becomes a part of who you are.

In The Young Man in Business, a robust line goes, “Personal interest in any work will bring other things; but all the other essentials combined cannot create personal interest.

You’re already halfway to success if you genuinely care about your work. It’s like having a secret superpower that fuels your motivation and creativity.

Finding your true calling isn’t always straightforward. For some, it’s a clear path from the start.

For others, like me, it’s a journey of discovery with twists and turns. I went from job to job, each time learning more about what I loved and didn’t.

This journey is about listening to your heart and observing what tasks make you lose track of time because you’re so engrossed in them.

That’s where your true calling lies.

The Journey to Discovery

The path to discovering your true calling in business can be winding and filled with trials, but it’s also gratifying. Take my journey, for instance.

I began in a traditional 9-to-5 job, feeling secure yet unfulfilled. It was a safe choice, but I knew something was missing deep down.

This realisation sparked my quest to find what truly resonated with me.

Everyone’s journey is unique. It might start with a hobby that gradually turns into a business idea or an unexpected opportunity that opens new doors.

The key is to stay open and curious. It involved a lot of trial and error, learning from each experience, and gradually moving closer to what felt right.

This journey is about finding what you love and understanding what you’re good at and what the world needs from you.

It’s like assembling a puzzle where the pieces are your skills, passions, and opportunities. The moment they click together, it’s an eye-opener.

Remember, this discovery doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a self-exploration process, saying yes to new challenges and learning from every step.

The courage to step out of your comfort zone and explore uncharted territories is where the magic of discovery lies.

Let’s delve into why this pursuit is so crucial.

Why Finding Your Calling Matters

You might wonder, “Why go through all this effort to find my true calling in business?” Well, the benefits go beyond just feeling good about your job.

When you work in a field you’re passionate about, it shows in your performance. You’re more dedicated, innovative, and driven, leading to tremendous success and achievement.

World Economic Forum has shown that people who align their careers with their passions are more likely to excel and feel satisfied with their work.

It’s not just about doing what you love; it’s about bringing your best self to what you do.

The book The Young Man in Business emphasises this: “Personal interest in any work will bring other things, but all the other essentials combined cannot create personal interest.

You care about your work and produce positive outcomes — better ideas, stronger motivation, and more profound commitment.

Furthermore, finding your calling can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. You’re less likely to experience burnout and more likely to feel a sense of purpose and joy in your daily activities.

This doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges, but even the hurdles seem manageable when you’re doing something you love.

Next, let’s look at some common challenges and misconceptions about finding your calling and how to overcome them.

Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions

The road to finding your true calling often has hurdles and myths. One common challenge is the pressure of societal expectations.

Many feel pushed into careers deemed ‘practical’ or ‘secure,’ leading them away from their passions. It’s like wearing a suit that doesn’t fit — uncomfortable and restricting.

Another misconception is that following your passion is too risky or just a hobby. This mindset can be limiting.

While not every passion directly translates into a lucrative career, with creativity and strategic planning, many can be turned into viable business opportunities.

To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to stay true to yourself. Listen to your inner voice over outside opinions.

Be willing to take calculated risks. Security in a job you don’t love is a false comfort. Embrace that your unique interests can lead to a fulfilling career, even if it means taking the road less travelled.

Next, discuss some practical steps to help you find and follow your true calling.

Practical Steps to Finding Your Calling

Embarking on the journey to find your true calling in business involves a mix of introspection, exploration, and action.

Start with self-reflection. Ask yourself: What am I passionate about? What skills do I have that make me unique? Write these down.

Next, experiment. Try new things related to your interests. It could be volunteering, taking a course, or starting a small project.

This is like testing the waters.

Seek guidance from mentors or professionals in fields you’re interested in. Their insights can be invaluable.

Finally, be patient. Finding your calling is a journey, not a sprint. It takes time, and that’s perfectly okay.

Now, let’s wrap up what we’ve discovered about finding your true calling in business.

Ultimately, finding your true calling in business isn’t just about chasing a dream; it’s about connecting to a deeper part of yourself and unleashing your full potential.

It’s about marrying what you love with what you do, creating a career that doesn’t just sustain you but fulfils you.

This journey may have ups and downs, but the destination — a life of passion, purpose, and personal success — is worth every step.

So, leap. Explore, experiment, and embrace the path to discovering your true calling.

Remember, the possibilities are limitless when your work resonates with your heart. Happy exploring, and here’s to finding the job that makes you come alive!

Reference

  1. Bok, E. W., 2010, The Young Man in Business
  2. World Economic Forum

--

--

Ar. Azlan Shah
Level Up Publication

My own journal to learn. Architect & educator, mastering resilience & innovation. Passion for sustainable design & technology. Visit www.fatiharchstudio.com.